Metal Church "The Human Factor"

The Human Factor is the fourth album by Metal Church, released in 1991. It was the band's only release on Epic Records.

Reviews for The Human Factor have been generally mixed. Allmusic's Alex Henderson awards the album four and a half stars out of five, and states: "Much of the writing is quite substantial, and Metal Church tackles social and political subjects with inspired results on songs ranging from 'Date with Poverty' and 'Flee From Reality' to 'The Final Word' (which addresses the flag-burning controversy of 1991 and asserts that the U.S., whatever its faults, is still the best place to live)."

Although The Human Factor sold well at the time of its release, it turned out to be one of Metal Church's most unsuccessful albums, not appearing on any album charts. In order to promote The Human Factor, Metal Church supported Motörhead, Judas Priest, Dangerous Toys and Alice Cooper on the Operation Rock 'N' Roll tour, and later supported Metallica on the Wherever We May Roam Tour.

In 2005, the album was ranked number 447 in Rock Hard magazine's book of The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums of All Time.

Track listing

1. "Human Factor" Mike Howe, Kurdt Vanderhoof 5:00
2. "Date with Poverty" Howe, Vanderhoof 5:20
3. "The Final Word" Howe, Vanderhoof 6:00
4. "In Mourning" Howe, John Marshall, Vanderhoof, Craig Wells 6:00
5. "In Harm's Way" Marshall, Vanderhoof 7:00
6. "In Due Time" Howe, Marshall, Vanderhoof, Wells, Kirk Arrington 4:04
7. "Agent Green" Howe, Vanderhoof 5:58
8. "Flee from Reality" Howe, Marshall, Wells 4:13
9. "Betrayed" Howe, Vanderhoof 4:32
10. "The Fight Song" Howe, Marshall, Wells, Duke Erickson, Arrington 3:24

"In Mourning" is lyrically about the Judas Priest / James Vance trial of 1990.

Recording information:

Recorded at Devonshire Studios N. Hollywood, CA.

Mastered at Sterling Sound New York City.